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RAM 1500 water intrusion defect class action overview:
- Who: A Ram 1500 driver is suing automaker FCA US
- Why: She says the company concealed a defect in the vehicles that allowed water to get in, causing foul odors and mold
- Where: Michigan federal court
FCA had long standing knowledge of a defect that caused water to enter some of its vehicles causing a bad odor and mold, but never told customers, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiff Effie Johnson Norman filed the class action lawsuit against FCA US, LLC June 22 in a Michigan federal court alleging violations of federal warranty laws.
She’s looking to represent anyone who purchased or leased a Ram 1500 vehicle sold with a defect that allegedly allows water to enter the cabin, causing foul odors, mold or mildew, electrical system disruption, and rear cabin airbag contamination.
She says the cars are not adequately sealed, leading to water intrusion in the rear cabin.
The water destroys the interior of the vehicles, leaving permanent stain marks, foul odors, mold, and mildew, and contaminates and fouls the rear-cabin airbag and propellant, Norman says.
She says the defect can even short the vehicles’ electrical system such as the push-to-start ignition system, locks, windows and lights.
FCA allegedly knew about the defect
Norman says FCA has known about the defect since at least 2016 based on a flood of complaints and warranty claims.
“Nevertheless, FCA has never disclosed the Water Intrusion Defect; rather, it actively conceals it.”
FCA is also accused of neglecting to recall the vehicles or extend their warranties, leading to major out-of-pocket expenses for customers.
She’s looking to represent a nationwide Class of Ram 1500 owners, and an Alabama Subclass.
Norman is suing for breach of warranty and fraudulent omission and seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
The news comes after more than 370,000 Dodge and Ram vehicles were recalled because their electronic stability control (ESC) warning lights might not illuminate even if there is a problem.
Have you had this issue in your vehicle? Let us know in the comments!
The plaintiff is represented by The Miller Law Firm, P.C., Beasley, Allen Crow Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C. and Dicello Levitt Gutzler LLC.
The Ram 1500 Class Action Lawsuit is Effie Johnson Norman, v. FCA US, LLC, Case No. 2:22-cv-11393-TGB-CI in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan.
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694 thoughts onRAM 1500 class action alleges vehicles have water intrusion defect
I bought a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Limited Edition. I noticed after having it for a year some water leak stains on the roof of back corner left hand of cargo from the roof. I then have begun smelling a mold smell in my truck. I just stopped driving it. I received a letter from manufactor’s corporation in 2023 that there is a bolt defect pertaining to the back cargo that could produce water leak and damage that if experienced to take in to the dealership they would fix everything including replacing the liner if needed. I did what letter said. I was told by dealership that it was my antenna leaking causing the water damage. Now mind you #1 the antenna is in very back of my truck over the back window in the middle. #2 My husband checked it apon leaving the dealership and it was not loose. #3 Only way to get in the back area where the water damage is you have to remove windshield and liner to even be able to check where that leak came from (what dealership said) or to get to the antenna. They tried telling me there is a diagnostic machine that can tell them where a leak is coming from or going to on a vehicle just by hooking it up to. I’ve asked other mechanic’s and they inform me that there is no such a machine been invented. They wind up charging me $200 for that day. Gave me a quoted price of 2300.00 to fix my liner. I’ve bought Dodge Ram all my life. From this dealership ive bought 3 brand new ones over past 18 years alone. NEVER again will I buy a Dodge!!! I again just stopped driving this truck. I hope I can get a resolution to this problem.
The rear window on my 2020 Ram 1500 leaked and shorted the RFH, which caused major electrical issues. Ram says my warranty doesn’t cover the rear window and the entire window has to be replaced.
Currently dealing with my second leak from the rear window. Last had the headliner replaced with it as well. It is in the shop this week hoping to get fixed as well as some other issues.
I have a 2021 1500 ram bighorn. The other day I hit unlock on my key fob and nothing. I thought at first maybe a dead battery then grabbed my other fob.. nothing! I’ve contacted dodge Chrysler and they said they would call my dealership. My dealership has heard nothing. The service department said this is Not normal wear and tear on vehicle and this is a common issue. No one is willing to accept any responsibility for this and it’s going to cost 2200 dollars to get my truck running. I’m so frustrated! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
2021 Ram 1500. Electrical system shut down just before getting on interstate. Truck completely inoperable. Dealership says it is the RFH Module. My truck also has a water leak from the rear window 3rd break light area.
2017 Ram 1500 ecodiesel Limited purchased used with 68k miles. It leaked from top left rear seat. Theres water damage on leather rear seat. It continues to leak today because I can’t find the source.
When making a service appointment for my Ram I saw there was a recall for the back window cracking and leaking. Went and looked and noticed I had the damage the recall was for. Then noticed a weird white staining in the perforated seats I hadn’t noticed before and suspected growth under the rear seats on the carpet. I recently had planned to see an ENT for sinus issues and loss of smell over the past year and now I’m beginning to think this is all related. Getting air samples lab tested to see the severity of suspected mold growth in the truck this week.
My daughter has this issue with her RAM Truck
Yes My truck gets wet inside and has a white mold growing under the mats. I first thought someone had spilled a gallon or so of water. I frequently have to dry it out. Interior frost this winter.
Currently going through this same issue. I have a 2019 ram 1500 big horn. Noticed water on the inside of my windshield during this rainy season and also started noticing a mold smell and water stains on my ceiling. Removed my children’s car seats in the back and there was tons of mold. The seats and floor boards were wet as well. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my kids and I have had a cough for the past month.